CAMP DARAPANAN, SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO. July 7, 2018 - The Asia Foundation (TAF) organized SULU PEACE SUMMIT dubbed as “Appeal for the Restoration of Deleted / Amended BTC - BBL Provisions” held at Poblacion Punay, Panglima Estino, Sulu on July 4, 2018.
It was aimed to update the people of Sulu on the progress of peace process and initiate a joint effort for the restoration of the deleted or amended provisions of BTC-Crafted BBL in the upcoming Bicameral Conference Committee deliberations scheduled from July 9 - 13.
The peace summit was attended by thousands of participants from all sectors of the province including religious leaders, men in uniform, traditional leaders, academe, students, professionals, CSO's, MILF and MNLF organic members, LGU's and residents of Panglima Estino.
Among the invited guest were UBJP Provincial Executive Hadji Zesar Alil ; MILF Deputy Commander of Western Command Front Basarun Kamlon ; MILF 117th Base Commander Musakkar Adi ; MNLF ( Jikiri group) Provincial Chairman Hadji Hassan Jalandoni ; Former Mayor of Panglima Estino Hadji Munib Estino ; Mayor of Panglima Estino Hon. Bensar Estino ; MILF Peace Implementing Panel Atty. Lanang Ali Jr.; MILF Peace Implementing Panel Secretariat Matt ibn Mahmour ; CSO - PAZAMBATASUL Group Head Salip Aloy Jainal ; CCCH Representative Bro. Omar and representatives from OPAPP and TAF.
Former Mayor Hadji Munib Estino in his message said, " Hindi dapat " Kusog Tausug " ang batayan ng ating ipinaglalaban kundi ang ating reliheyong Islam ang siyang mangibabaw at hindi ang ating tribo." (It should not be " Strong Tausog " that worth fighting for but in the name of Islam. We are not fighting for the supremacy of our tribe).
(Participants to the Sulu Peace Summit)
UBJP Provincial Executive Hadji Zesar Alil in his statement during the activity elaborated, " Ang BBL ay hindi lamang para sa MILF at MNLF. Ito ay para sa mga lahat ng Bangsamoro, Lumads at Kristiano. Ang BBL ay makakatulong na maihahon tayo sa kahirapan tungo sa masaganang pamumuhay. "(BBL is not only for MILF and MNLF. It is for the Bangsamoro people including Lumads and Christians. BBL could uplift our living conditions.)
MNLF Provincial Chairman Jalandoni in his message called out the attention of the participants by encouraging them to support the passage of BTC crafted BBL.
" This is now the time to show our solidarity in our quest for sustainable peace and development by supporting the BTC - BBL regardless of our political affiliation." he added.